visitusat newyear'sresolution … · the mattress feels good to you is well worth it. 3....
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For Seniors and Those who Care About Them in Lake and Porter Counties January 2019 Edition
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Welcome, NWI Seniors!
Also Inside:
Lifestyle
Health, Fitness & Beauty
Travel
Financial Planning
Finance
Recession Watch
Business
Risk Management
Inspiration
House & Home
Entertainment
Caregiver
Relationships
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Visit us at www.nwiseniors.com
Northwest Indiana
Seniors
Worried about outliving your
money? Over 60% of seniors
are. Proper planning can
make all the difference. See
page 6
Every January millions of peopleworldwide make New Year’s Resolutionsbut only 10% keep them. In fact, January2nd, National Failed New Year’sResolution Day, is dedicated to the 90%of people who didn’t make it. The mostcommon resolutions are losing weight,exercising more, quitting smoking, andsaving money. All four seem worthy ofour improvement efforts. Then why areresolutions hard to keep?The answer to this question iscomplicated and involves a little historyand fear of divine retribution. Accordingto The Economist, the Babyloniansrecorded resolution-type activities over4000 years ago. A ritual to reap moreharvest in the upcoming year, theBabylonians celebrated a 12-day festivalof Akitu, the renewal of life. Tied to theiragricultural seasons, citizens promisedtheir gods to repay debts and returnborrowed items every spring.The Egyptians followed suit in July, the
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
Or Current Resident
20th Century postcard from 1915.
beginning of their new year. Sacrifices toHapi, the god of the Nile, were made forgood fortune, prosperous harvests, andmilitary successes for the upcoming year.The Romans continued the tradition butshifted the date to January to honor Janus,the god of beginnings and endings.Versions of similar ceremonies and paganrituals continued through the years, until1813, when the term New Year’sResolution first appeared in a Bostonnewspaper. For the first time, the religiousundertone was eliminated from the concept.Instead, promises were focused on showinggoodwill and improving the good of thecountry. Yet even with the best ofintentions, keeping resolutions remainsdifficult for the majority.New Year’s Resolutions spark the best ofplans in all of us. Most people want to livea better life. But resolutions are about goalsand change. Once the honeymoon phasewears off, the reality of the effort needed toachieve the goal sets in and the resolution is(continued on Page 2).
TIPS TO SUCCEED
A New Perspective on Robots and How They Will Shape
Humanitysociety. The third video, which
comes out in mid-July, will
focus on the all-robot-staffed
hotel in Nagasaki, Japan, where
Imahara investigates the way
robots behave utilizing only
artificial intelligence. To watch
all the videos and learn more
about Mouser and Generation
Robot, visit
www.mouser.com/empowering-
innovation.News USA
Page 2
Pet Corner
Pets are precious. We all have stories about some of
the funny, crazy, or heart-warming things our pets do.
Send your favorite pet story to
[email protected]. If we publish it, we'll send
you a $10 gift card to Petco.
LIFESTYLE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
We Love Our Pets!
Throughout the years,
technology has improved
drastically – creating
machines and devices that
were unimaginable 50 years
ago. And perhaps the most
advanced and interesting of
society’s technological
advancements is robots –
but it is also the most
misunderstood. In fact,
according to recent Pew
Research, more than 70
percent of Americans
express concern about a
world in which machines
perform many of the tasks
done by humans.
Fortunately, there are
people who believe humans
and robots can coexist and
work together in harmony
and are working to debunk
many of the fears people
have about them. Mouser
Electronics Inc., a leading
semiconductor and
electronics component
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distributor based in Fort
Worth, TX, and celebrity
engineer Grant Imahara,
have teamed up again for the
fourth consecutive year for
their Empowering
Innovation Together
program. This year’s
program is called Generation
Robot, which features five
videos filmed across the
world, including in the U.S.,
Germany and Japan.
Mouser’s goal is to reach
innovators around the globe
by showing how robots have
a positive impact on
humanity and change how
people see the possibility of
interacting with them.
Throughout the Generation
Robot series, the entire
spectrum of robotics will be
examined, as will the
understanding of how robots
not only have a technological
impact on society, but also a
social and moral one. The
video series begins with the
Imahara visiting the Institute
for Robotics and Intelligent
Machines at Georgia Tech and
speaking with the executive
director, Dr. Magnus
Egerstedt. There, he explores
several aspects of robots, such
as the basics of the machines,
myths and misconceptions, as
well as the hopes for, and
fears of, the advancement of
robot technology. In the video,
Dr. Egerstedt mentions that
robots used to be about
mechanical engineering, but
now modern robots involve
psychology, because these
machines will be working
along with humans and thus
they need to understand
people. The second video,
which takes place in
Augsburg, Germany, dives into
the real meaning of robots and
humans working together, as
well as the way this
interaction will benefit
Continued from page 1often abandoned.Here are some tips that may helpyou keep your New Year’sResolutions.Tackle one change at a time. Ifyou want to lose weight,exercise more, quit smoking, andsave money, vow to tackle oneof these areas at a time. Onceyou achieve your first goal,you’ll have confidence to tacklethe next one.Be realistic. Besides setting justone goal, make sure it isrealistic. If you need to loseweight, give yourself time to doit safely. Most experts agree 10pounds a month is safe weightloss. To expect to lose too muchtoo fast is unsafe and may setyou up for failure. The same istrue for saving money. Set agoal to cut one or two luxuries ata time. For example, pack onelunch per week rather than vowto never buy lunch again.Extreme and unrealistic goalsoften lead to feelings ofdeprivation and abandonment.Let people know your goal.
Communicating to the specialpeople in your life that you areembarking on a change will helpthem support you. If others knowyou want to lose weight or quitsmoking, they will be more awareto not tempt you and canencourage you.Use a buddy or a support group.There is power in making a changewith another person who sharesyour struggles. This is especiallyhelpful if someone you live with orknow personally needs to make thesame change as you. If you’realone or you need extra support,consider joining a group like at agym or a meeting where you maylearn faster ways to reach yourgoal.Change anytime. You can make aresolution anytime during the year,not just on January 1st. This isespecially true if you experience asetback with your goal. Identifythe reason you got off course, vowto improve, and start right back.Be part of the 10% who do achievetheir goals!.
New Year's Resolutions Tips
Page 3
HEALTH www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
It’s the time of year everyone dreads: flu season.Last
season, more than 900,000 people were hospitalized due
to the flu or flu complications, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People over the age
of 65 are at greater risk for these complications, making
up about 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and
hospitalizations last year. Experts say nearly half (48.5
percent) of senior hospitalizations could, in fact, be
avoided if proper preventative steps are taken, according
to research from Home Instead, Inc. Here are tips to avoid
the dangers of the flu:* Consider a flu vaccine for your
loved one. If you choose to get the flu shot, the best time
to get one is before flu season is in full swing. For the best
protection, the vaccine should not be limited to just older
adults. Caregivers and family members also need to stay
healthy to protect older loved ones.* Take daily
preventative measures. It might sound simple but washing
your hands and avoiding those who are sick can go a long
way. The CDC lists seven healthy habits to stop germs,
including not touching your eyes, nose or mouth and
sanitizing properly.* Encourage physical activity for those
who are able. Moderate exercise boosts the immune
system and can reduce the risk of a cold, according to
Harvard Health. Even in frigid winter temperatures,
activities such as a walk at a community recreation center
or simple strength training exercises at home, using
household items and body weight, can boost immunity. *
Pay attention to the signs and symptoms. Frequently
check in on loved ones. Pay close attention to symptoms
and changes in their appearance or demeanor. Encourage
regular doctor visits to help keep minor symptoms from
turning into more serious issues. And it’s important to
know all symptoms of the flu and get treatment as soon as
possible.* Take extra precautions to prevent
hospitalizations. Simple steps, such as acknowledging
symptoms of illness when they first appear, reducing risks
of falls around the home and maintaining a healthy diet
can all have a substantial impact on protecting older
adults from hospitalization and further infection.For more
information on staying healthy this flu season, including
the "5 Ways to Prevent Senior Hospitalizations" guide,
visit www.preventseniorhospitalizations.com, or find a
Home Instead office near you at
www.homeinstead.com/state. News USA
Avoiding Dangers
of the Flu for
Older Adults
Flu Prevention for Travelers
The risk for exposure to influenza during travel depends
somewhat on the time of year and destination.
•In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season can begin as
early as October and can last as late as April or May.
•In the temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere,
influenza activity typically occurs during April – September.
• In the tropics, influenza activity occurs throughout the year.
Travelers in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres can be
exposed to influenza during months that fall outside of those
listed above, especially when traveling as part of large tourist
groups (e.g., on cruise ships) that include people from areas of
the world where influenza viruses are circulating.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly,
preferably in the fall before the U.S. flu season begins.
People who have not gotten a flu vaccine for the current
season and are traveling to parts of the world where influenza
activity is ongoing should get a flu vaccine to protect
themselves during their trip.
This is particularly important for people at high risk of flu-
related complications.
The flu vaccine used in the Northern Hemisphere usually
protects against the main viruses that have been circulating
in other parts of the world.
People should get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel
because it takes 2 weeks for vaccine immunity to develop
after vaccination.
No information is available about the benefits of getting
revaccinated before summer travel for those people who
already were vaccinated during the preceding fall, so
revaccination is not recommended.
Keep in mind that influenza vaccine manufactured for the
upcoming or current season usually expires the following
June. After June, flu vaccines are usually not available in the
U.S. until the influenza vaccine for the next season is
produced and made available in the fall.
Also, even if you receive the previous season’s vaccine before
travel during the summer months, you should still receive the
new flu vaccine that coming fall or winter.
Source: CDC
Seven Mistakes to Avoid
When Buying a New
Mattress
HEALTH www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Page 4.
A mattress is one of the
most important purchases
you’ll ever make. You
spend approximately one-
third of your life in bed
and how well you sleep
can affect your health and
well-being. But shopping
for a mattress can be
confusing for even the
wisest consumers. Here
are seven mistakes to
avoid when you’re ready to
shop for a mattress that
will help you get the best
night’s sleep possible:
1. Buying too small.
Especially if you’re
sharing a bed, you should
buy at least a queen-size
mattress. A healthy person
moves 40 to 60 times a
night and makes lots of
full-body turns. For sound
sleep, you need freedom of
motion. A full-size
mattress, for instance, only
gives each partner about
the same width as a crib!
2. Being too shy to try.
When you shop, wear shoes
you can easily slip off and
comfortable clothes so you
can lie down for a solid five
to 10 minutes in your
preferred sleep position.
Finding a mattress that
feels right is a personal
choice. Taking the time to
truly experience whether
the mattress feels good to
you is well worth it.
3. Confusing firmness with
support. Gone are the days
when a mattress had to be
hard to provide adequate
support. Look for a mattress
that allows your spine to
maintain its natural
alignment while you’re
lying down. A supportive
mattress can have various
types of upper-layer
comfort, from very soft to
not-so-soft.
4. Not reading reviews or
getting referrals. Furniture
stores, department stores,
sleep specialty shops and
online e-tailers all sell
mattresses. Ask friends and
family for referrals.
5. Trying to comparison
shop. Model names vary
from store to store, and
many retailers offer certain
models exclusively, so
comparison shopping can be
frustrating.
6. Forgetting to ask about
return policies. Particularly
if you buy a mattress online,
you won’t have the chance
to try it out, so read the
reviews, carefully check
return and shipping policies
– and be certain there’s good
customer support should a
problem arise.
7. Assuming the foam is
certified. Check to be sure your
mattress contains conventional
or memory foam that has been
certified by the not-for-profit
CertiPUR-US certification
program. That’s your assurance
that the foam meets rigorous
standards for content, emissions
and durability, and has been
analyzed by independent,
accredited testing laboratories.
The organization’s website has a
directory of participating
companies and brands at
www.certipur.us.
A little prep work before you
start mattress shopping will go a
long way in helping you rest
easy – in every sense of the
word. News USA
Quit Smoking in 2019 With a Little Help
The new year often brings
about the resolution to quit
smoking. According to the
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC),
nearly 7 out of every 10
(68.0%) of adult smokers
reported in 2015 that they
wanted to quit completely.
Most former smokers quit
without using any
treatment. However,
smoking cessation
treatments are effective.
Here are some examples:
•Brief help by a doctor
•Individual, group, or
telephone counseling
•Behavioral therapies (such
as training in problem
solving)
• Treatments with more
person-to-person contact
and more intensity
• Programs to deliver
treatments using mobile
phones
Medications for quitting
also are effective. Here are
some examples of smoking
cessation medications:
• Nicotine replacement
products
• Over-the-counter
(nicotine patch [which is
also available by
prescription], gum,
lozenge)
• Prescription (nicotine
patch, inhaler, nasal spray)
•Prescription non-nicotine
medications: bupropion SR
(Zyban®),6 varenicline
tartrate (Chantix®)
Counseling and medication
are both effective for
treating tobacco dependence
and using them together is
more effective than using
either one alone.
If you’d like help quitting
smoking, here are some
helpful resources:
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-
784-8669) is a free
telephone support service
that can help people who
want to stop smoking or
using tobacco. Callers are
routed to their state
quitlines, which offer
several types of quit
information and services.
These may include:
Free support, advice, and
counseling from
experienced quitline coaches
• A personalized quit plan
•Practical information on how
to quit, including ways to cope
with nicotine withdrawal
•The latest information about
stop-smoking medications
•Free or discounted
medications (available for at
least some callers in most
states)
• Referrals to other resources
•Mailed self-help materials
•Online Help
For information on quitting,
go to the Quit Smoking
Resources page on CDC’s
Smoking & Tobacco Use Web
site.
Travel www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Top 10 Safest
Countries to Visit
As you make travel plans for 2019, consider these top 10 safest
countries to visit.
1. Singapore
2. Norway, Iceland, Finland (tied)
5. Uzbekistan & Hong Kong (tied)
7. Canada & Switzerland (tied)
9. Indonesia
10. Egypt
Page 5
Love to travel but need assistance with your
wheelchair or mobility? Looking for senior-
friendly travel opportunities and tours? Check
out these websites dedicated to helping seniors
and those with disabilities.
Seniors and Disabled
Travel Websites
Accessible Journeys offers wheelchair travel, accessible
cruises, and wheelchair tours, for slow walkers, wheelchair
travelers, their families and their friends.
http://www.accessiblejourneys.com/ or call 800-846-4537
Accessible Travel Solutions provides fully-accessible
vacation packages, tours, transfers, and escorted group
travel in 45+ countries throughout Europe and the
Caribbean
https://www.accessibletravelsolutions.com/ or call
888-313-6606
Emerging Horizons offers news and information on
accessible travel
http://emerginghorizons.com/
Expedia AARP is the official online travel agency for AARP
members
https://www.expedia-aarp.com/ or call 800-675-4318
Elder Traks is the first adventure travel company designed
exclusively for people 50 and over
https://www.eldertreks.com/ or call 800-741-7956
Senior Travel Expert
Travel tips for seniors.
http://seniortravelexpert.com/
Whether you plan a short trip to visit family or a month-long
cruise, these safety travel tips are a must for seniors!
1. Consider buying travel insurance. Travel insurance is a
low-cost way to give senior travelers peace of mind. Travel
insurance protects your investment against unexpected events
like illness or death of a traveling companion.
2. Save the sharing for your return. Postpone sharing travel
plans and pictures with others, especially on social media where
thieves can track your absence and break into your home.
3. Avoid traveling with too much jewelry. You want to look
good in pictures but wearing too much jewelry can attract
thieves. Seniors are more likely targets of theft during traveling
because we can afford more expensive jewelry.
4. Don’t stray from your normal diet. A perk of traveling is the
food but indulging too much or straying from your normal diet
can cause serious health risks for senior travelers. Sampling
food you absolutely want to try is a better strategy than ordering
full servings and feeling obligated to eat the whole thing. Also,
check with your doctor or pharmacist about medications and
food interactions to avoid any untoward health risks.
5. Pack your medications correctly. Extreme temperatures can
de-activate some medications. Make sure you pack your
medications at the right temperature to ensure they work for
you.
6. Stay in contact with a trust person. Let a trusted person
know your itinerary and develop a daily check-in system-a text
or phone call. Also, give your trusted person the phone number
of the hotel and police before traveling. This is especially
important if you are traveling alone or to a foreign country.
7. Dress for comfort, not for style. Seniors are prone to falling
and packing the right shoes is essential. Traveling usually
involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes that keep you
balanced to avoid any unwelcome falls and injuries.
Safety Travel Tips
for Seniors
Page 6
Financial Planning www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Worried About Outliving Your Money?
To have a happy retirement, you need an income stream that you can count on.
It can't be correlated to the markets. You can't be in a situation where you have
switched to living off your assets and have them suddenly cut in half or worse
in just a few months due to a market crash.
Additionally, you need to make sure your income streams will not run out
during your lifetime. What is one of the best tools to provide a guaranteed,
lifetime income that you can always count on? It's an annuity.
What is an annuity? The simplest explanation is that it the opposite of a Life
Insurance policy, at least in some ways. Life insurance pays if you die too early.
Annuities pay if you live too long.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal said "The secret to a happier
retirement is having friends, good neighbors and a Fixed Annuity.
Time magazine stated that "Lifetime Income
Streams are the key to retirement happiness."
The University of Wisconsin did research on
this and stated that "Retirees who receive
regular guaranteed income are much happier
than those who don't.
I saw an example of this the other day at the
grocery store. 6 lanes were open and all the
grocery bag boys were men 65 years and older.
I spoke with a few of them and asked why would
they take a job like this? Typically, they said
they didn't plan correctly and they had to take
the job. Some also said they never thought this
is what their "Golden Years" would be like.
To find out more about annuities and how they
might help you, go to page 7.
FINANCE ww.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Page 7
Annuities
The number one concern of people near or in
retirement is outliving their money. For 60% of
retirees, they are more afraid of running out of
money than they are of dying. There are very few
ways you can be proactive in preventing this from
happening to you.
One way is by using annuities. You can, with the
right annuity, make sure you have a guaranteed
income you can't outlive. This is an income you can
always count on. You have the flexibility to choose
the time period you want the income to continue to.
You can make sure any unused part of your
investment passes to your heirs.
Another advantage is the income is guaranteed. It is
not subject to the Markets, which on average crash
every 7-8 years. And, we can't overstate how
important avoiding losses are. Most prospectus and
advertisements state the performance of their
products (such as mutual funds) in terms of
"Average Returns". That is grossly misleading.
For example, with average returns, the total return
is divided by the number of years to give you the
average return per year. So, if you had invested
$100,000 in a Mutual Fund and it went up 50% the
first year, then down 50% the second year, then up
again 50% in year 3 and in year 4 down 50%, the
average return would be zero.
In reality, your $100,000 would have grown to
$150,000 after year one. In year 2, it would have
dropped 50% to $75,000. In year 3, up 50% again to
$112,500 and in year 4 down 50% again to $56,125.
While the average return would have been 0%, the
real return was a loss of $43,875 or about -44%.
Let's look at the devastating effect this can have on
your money.
The chart above assumes the following; you invest $1 Million. You take a
distribution of $100K a year. You do this for 30 years, starting in 1970.
According to the chart, even though you've taken out $100K a year, the
average return on the stock market over that time period was 14.84%. So
in addition to the $100K a year, the underlying account has grown to over
$15 million. Life is good. But...(Markets return numbers obtained courtesy
of SeekingAlpha website for both charts on this page.
Back in the real word, using real returns and the same assumptions, this
happens:
So not only did your account not grow to $15 Million, you ran out of
money around the middle of year 14.
*SP 500 Historical Data returns for the years 1928 to 2015 obtained
12/31/2018 from https://seekingalpha.com/instablog/605212-robert-
allan-schwartz/4831186-annual-returns-s-and-p-500-1928-2015
Page 8
Even though most people
don’t want to live in a nursing
home, the facts show over
70% of Americans 65 and
older will need skilled nursing
care sometime in their life.
The law requires car
insurance and banks require
homeowner’s insurance, but
the chance of a car accident or
your home burning down is
nothing compared to the risk
of you needing long-term care
services. While most people
believe long-term care
insurance is expensive, the
truth is that coverage pales in
comparison to the actual
expense of an extended care
event. It is important to
remember that while long-
term care insurance covers a
nursing home, it fails to cover
all aspects of an extended care
event.
An extended care event
includes much more than a
nursing home. An extended
care event may include the
need for Adult Day Care,
home health care, assisted
living, hospice, or respite.
Extended care events are
expensive and are often paid
out of pocket. According to
Genworth, the cost of care in a
private room in an Indiana
nursing home in 2016 was
$7665 per month. The
monthly cost of a semi-
private room in 2016 was
$6388. Over the course of a
year, the cost of a private
skilled nursing home room
was $91,980 and semi-private
was $76,656 in 2016.
Common sources of funding
for skilled nursing home care
includes Medicare, Medicaid,
insurance, VA, Home Equity,
Reverse Mortgages and
private funds. Medicare is the
federal health care plan for
persons 65 and over, those
with certain disabilities and
end stage kidney disease.
Medicare part A covers up to
the first 100 days of post-
hospitalization for skilled
nursing care for a semi-
private room. If you are used
to privacy, you will need to
work with the nursing home
to discuss payment options
for a private room.
Depending on the plan, long-
term care insurance usually
covers some or the entire
stay in a nursing home. The
policy will dictate
coordination of benefits with
Medicare. The challenge with
long-term care insurance is
anything unused is lost. Long-
term care insurance is a
terminal policy with no cash
value. Another challenge with
long-term care insurance is
the medical exclusion of many
chronic illnesses and the
increasing costs of premiums
with aging. After 100 days,
funding for the skilled
nursing homes shifts to other
resources. Sources of other
funding include insurance,
private funds, or Medicaid.
According to a recent study
we commissioned, 65%
believed Medicaid will take
care of the problem. But
Medicaid has conditions and
not everyone qualifies.
Medicaid is a federal and state
program for low income
persons. The federal
government oversees
Medicaid. However, Medicaid
is administered by the state.
There are strict qualifications
for Medicaid including a five-
year look-back at available
assets to pay for care. There
are also asset limits for single
and married couples to
qualify for Medicaid. As of
2016, Indiana allowed $1500
in asset protection and the
permanent residence of the
Medicaid recipient. In
addition, there are income
limits as well. In general,
there are many financial risks
to your estate under
Medicaid.
Private funds are another
source for long-term care. The
average stay in a nursing
home for men is around 3
years and 5 years for women.
The average stay for a person
with Alzheimer’s disease is 8
years. A daily cost of $210 for
FINANCE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Long-Term-Care Coverage
a man with Alzheimer’s disease
for 3 years could run as high as
$230,000 or more. For a
female, the estimated cost of
self-funding is nearly
$385,000. This does not include
expenses for a surviving
spouse. In addition, you need
to consider an inflation rate of
3% or 4% a year. Even with
modest assets of $800,000 or
less, self-funding will drain
your assets very quickly
should you need a nursing
home.
An asset protection whole life
insurance policy provides the
best coverage for an extended
care event. Unlike long-term
care insurance which provides
no accumulated cash value, the
asset protection policy includes
a rider that pays for an
extended care event from the
death benefit. In addition, the
policy accumulates in cash
value of which the owner can
borrow against. Unused death
benefits are paid to the
beneficiary. Also, the extended
care coverage goes beyond
skilled nursing home care.
Other types of care covered by
a whole life asset protection
policy includes home health,
custodial, Adult Day Care,
assisted living, hospice, and
respite care. To find out more,
see our ad on page 9.
Page 9
FINANCE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
One Policy Protecting Two Lives.
That's Peace of Mind.
Get long-term care (LTC) protection for less — together. With
the one-of-a-kind joint protection of Asset-Care®, you can
cover two people on the same policy for less than two
individual Asset-Care policies.
Joint protection Asset-Care is unlike anything else on the
market today. Multiple pairings of people can be protected for
less money on one policy versus purchasing two individual
policies*. Consider your
business partner, parent, child, sibling, spouse or other loved
one as your plus one and receive access to a larger LTC benefits
pool, even if you both need LTC at the same time.
Beyond the cost savings, joint Asset-Care offers more:
• Both insureds are eligible for the full monthly benefit, even
if they need LTC services at the same time.
• When one insured passes away, the second can continue to
access available LTC benefits.
• If the entire death benefit is not needed for LTC, the second
insured can leave any remaining amount to their heirs.
*The two individuals must be within 25 years of age.
No matter where life takes you, you’re both protected.
Chances are, you know someone who has needed LTC
services, is receiving them now, or may require such care in
the future. No one can predict who will need LTC benefits or
when. No one knows where care will be required, either — at
home, in assisted living, in a nursing home, or elsewhere. For
each of these unknowns, Asset-Care provides peace of mind
for two individuals and for their loved ones.
Learn more today! Let’s talk about the ways joint Asset-Care
can save you money over other options — while also helping
you enjoy peace of mind about your future.
Schedule an appointment today:
GENAY AIREY
AIREY FINANCIAL GROUP
219-650-4050
Note: Products issued and underwritten by The State Life Insurance Company® (State Life), Indianapolis, IN, a OneAmerica company that offers the Care Solutions product suite. Asset-Care
Form numbers: L301, R501 and SA31. In ID: L301 (ID); SA31, R501.
Not available in all states or may vary by state. All guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of State Life.
This is a solicitation of insurance. An insurance agent or insurance company will contact you. The policies and long- term care insurance riders have exclusions and limitations. For cost and
complete details of coverage, contact your insurance agent or company. Provided content is for overview and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, fiduciary, or
investment advice.
NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC OR NCUA INSURED • NOT BANK OR CREDIT UNION GUARANTEED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • MAY LOSE VALUE
Page 10
IDENTITY PROTECTION
FINANCE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Protect Yourself from Credit Card
Scanner Scams
Checking your credit card
statement, you see several $1
charges on it. You know you didn’t
use your card for anything like that.
Or, you get your statement and
realize something is wrong. Or
maybe you’ve taken the trouble to
set alerts on your credit cards and
you get a call asking you if you just
charged lunch at a restaurant in San
Diego, CA. The only problem is,
you’re in Indiana. What is going on?
Most likely you are the target of
Skimming and/or Scanning.
Skimming is the process where
thieves find a way to access your
information through Point of Sale
stations. Some of these include any
store or restaurant where you swipe
your card through the reader.
Here’s a typical one:
Additionally, ATM’s, Cash Registers
and Gasoline Pumps are commonly
altered to enable these hackers to
gather your information. There are
devices that plug into the slot used
at gas pumps. They gather your
information before sending the
data to the pump, so it functions
correctly and doesn’t raise
suspicion. Here’s a before and after
picture.
Would you have noticed the
difference?
One way to tell is to just grab the
reader and give it a little shake. If it
seems loose, it may be a Skimmer.
Don’t use a lot of force; you won’t
need to if it’s a Skimmer. If it is
loose, notify the staff. Interesting
side note, a large percentage of the
time, this kind of theft is an inside
job.
The other main way credit cards are
hacked is the process of Scanning.
Using technology, “electronic pick-
pocketing” has reached a new level.
Credit cards automatically emit an
RFID (Radio Frequency
Identification) signal. Hackers buy
or reverse engineer a commercially
available scanner and use them to
read your cards at a short distance
away (6 inches to as much as 3 feet).
The cost of these scanners is about
$100. Actually, I’m on Alibaba’s
auction web site right now and there
is one for sell for less than $200. Its
outside range is 500 cm. That
converts to over 16 feet. They don’t
even need to be in the same room to
pick up your credit card signal.
There are relatively easy ways to
scramble the RFID Signal or block it,
so it can’t be read by these
unwanted characters. You can get
what is called a RFID Blocking
Credit/Debit Card Protector. If you
go to Amazon and enter RFID
Blocking Sleeves for credit cards,
you see lots of choices. They come
in orders up to 20 sleeves for $10
more or less.
The other item you can buy that
blocks the signal from being
scanned is an RFID Wallet. I bought
one of these myself. The whole
wallet and anything you put in it is
blocked from sending out a signal.
Mine is leather, slim tri-fold. I paid
By Shaw Collins
about $40 for it on Amazon. I
forgot to take it out of my back
pocket once and went through an
airport scanner with it. The TSA
officer showed it to me. All you
could see was a solid white block
where my wallet was supposed to
be. Here’s what my wallet looks
like:
My son lives in another state and
was working on a satellite project
at a local university by his house.
He was alerted that there were 27
$1 charges against his credit card.
Apparently, this has happened at
this college several times. He took
the steps to cancel and replace his
card. I sent him several of the
sleeves for his cards. No other
issues since.
Retirement Score in America
Hits Historical High
Page 11
Americans are more
financially prepared for
retirement than they have
been in quite some time –
with special kudos to
millennials for money
they’ve been putting away.
Still, Fidelity Investments’
latest biennial Retirement
Savings Assessment study
(which is mostly upbeat),
states that many of those
surveyed remain “at risk” of
not being able to fully cover
essential expenses in
retirement if they don’t turn
things around.
In particular, after tallying
up the assets of the 25-to 74-
year-old respondents earning
at least $20,000 annually –
including current or
expected Social Security
benefits – Fidelity estimates
that the typical saver should
have 80 percent of the
income he or she will need to
cover retirement costs. That’s
up since the study was first
conducted in 2005, when the
same figure was 62 percent.
“It’s a significant
improvement,” says Ken
Hevert, Fidelity’s senior vice
president of retirement, who
attributes the rise to both a
higher median savings rate
compared to 2006 and better
portfolio asset allocation.
Put simply, Fidelity used
four color-code categories to
show where households fall
on a retirement
preparedness spectrum
based on their ability to
handle estimated expenses in
a down market:
• Dark Green. Thirty-two
percent were on target to
cover more than 95 percent
of their freight (up 1 percent
from 2016).
• Green. Eighteen percent
were looking good as far as
essentials go, but not
discretionary items such as
travel and entertainment
(down 1 percent from 2016).
• Yellow. Twenty-two percent
were off track, with “modest
adjustments” likely required
to their planned lifestyles
(down 1 percent from 2016).
• Red. Twenty-eight percent
definitely “need attention,”
(up 1 percent from 2016).
But perhaps the biggest
surprise in the study had to
do with millennials.
For the first time ever, those
born between 1981 and 1992
have caught up with
Generation X. The latter are
on track to have 78 percent
of the retirement income
they’ll need, while the former
lags behind by 1 percent.
And Baby Boomers?
Collectively, they’re in the
best position of all, especially
those Boomers with
increasingly rare pensions,
and who are on course to
have set aside 86 percent of
the money they’ll need.
For those curious where they
stand, Fidelity allows
everyone to access their
retirement score online. And
if you really want a cushy
retirement, keep in mind that
you could have 108 percent
of what you’ll need by
embracing all three of the
following “accelerators”: saving
at least 15 percent of your
income yearly, ensuring an age-
appropriate asset mi, and
deferring Social Security
benefits till at least 66 or 67.
USA News
Earlier this month, we told
you about a growing scam:
people pretend to be from
the Social Security
Administration (SSA) and
try to get your Social
Security number or your
money. That scam is now
growing exponentially. To
compare: in 2017, we heard
from 3,200 people about
SSA imposter scams, and
those people reported losing
nearly $210,000. So far
THIS year: more than
35,000 people have reported
the scam, and they tell us
they’ve lost $10 million.
Here’s what one of those
scam calls sound like:
FINANCE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Here's What a Social Security Scam Looks Like
Scammers are saying
your Social Security
number (SSN) has been
suspended because of
suspicious activity, or
because it’s been
involved in a crime.
Sometimes, the scammer
wants you to confirm
your SSN to reactivate it.
Sometimes, he’ll say your
bank account is about to
be seized – but he’ll tell
you what to do to keep it
safe. (Often, that involves
putting your money on
gift cards and giving him
the codes – which, of
course, means that your
money is gone.)
Oh, and your caller ID
often shows the real SSA
phone number (1-800-772-
1213) when these scammers
call – but they’re faking that
number. It’s not the real SSA
calling.
Here's what to know:
Your Social Security number
is not about to be suspended.
You don’t have to verify your
number to anyone who calls
out of the blue. And your
bank accounts are not about
to be seized.
SSA will never call to
threaten your benefits or tell
you to wire money, send cash,
or put money on gift cards.
Anyone who tells you to do
those things is a scammer.
Every time.
The real SSA number is 1-800-
772-1213, but scammers are
putting that number in the
caller ID. If you’re worried
about what the caller says, hang
up and call 1-800-772-1213 to
speak to the real SSA. Even if
the wait time is long, confirm
with the real SSA before
responding to one of these calls.
Never give any part of your
Social Security number to
anyone who contacts you. Or
your bank account or credit
card number.
If you get one of these calls, tell
the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Source: FTC.gov.
By Jennifer Leach, Acting Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business
Recession Watch
Page 12
FINANCE www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
One of the main responsibilities of a professional money manager is to keep your eyes on the overall Economy. Several tools are
used to help us keep track of what is going on and watch for changes. Most of the Indicators have a level that shows an early
warning of an upcoming Recession. Virtually all Recessions immediately precede a stock market sell off or crash, with an average
drop of -47%.
The Business Cycle Index (BCI), consists of the 10-year Treasury
Yield, 3-month T-Bill, SP 500 Index, Unemployment Claims, and
New Houses for sale and sold. Specifically, we watch the BCIg.
Once it drops to zero, we have approximately 11 weeks before
a recession starts. As of 12/27/2018, we are where we were 2
months before the Great Recession started. Back then, the BCIg
crossed the zero line on 10/4/2007, 5 days before the DOW hit
its all-time high back then at 14,191. After that, it dropped 53%
before the recovery started on 3/9/2009. We are getting close.
Another indicator we watch is the Forward Rate Ratio. It has picked
up all the recessions over the past 50 years with no false positives.
Once this signal reaches 1.0, the clock starts. A recession follows
typically, within 1 year. As you can see below, the red line is getting
close to the 1.00 mark. Once the indicator hits or goes below the
1.00 line, the shaded/gray bar appears. This bar represents the
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) official recession
call by the government. NBER is a private corporation tasked with
this job since 1920. NBER is typically a lagging indicator, so we use
others like the Forward Rate to get a heads up.
The Weekly Leading Economic Index (WLEI) uses 50 different time series from Corporate Bond Composite, Treasury Bond Composite,
Stock Market Composite, Labor Market Composite, and the Credit Market Composite. WLEI is a growth Index and its data is no more
than 1 week old, making it very current. When this indicator drops below zero, it's a leading indicator of an upcoming recession. The
images below show the WLEI is 2 weeks below the zero line.
Below is the WLEI spreadsheet from 2007, before the Recession.
As you can see, a signal was issued on 10/19/2007. The official
Recession call was made by NBER in January 2008.
Several other indicators are tracked, but these are the basics.
Above is the change in the US Money Supply. Over the past 2
years, you can see the money supply has shrunk significantly. Also,
the FED has raised Interest Rates 8 times since December 2016.
Shrinking the Money Supply and making money more expensive to
borrow is a sure-fire way to slow down an economy. In the image
to the left, you can see Velocity of Money (VOM) has been
dropping to all-time lows since it started in 1959. VOM measures
how long it takes a dollar to circulate one complete cycle through
the Economy. VOM is slowing as well.
FIND YOUR WAY TO
“YES”
This Secret has its roots in Sales,
although it’s not limited to it. However,
how many of you own or work for a
company that simply has too many
sales? That you wish you could stop the
sales from coming in because you just
have too many of them? You wish you
could prevent additional sales because
they are getting in the way? Of course,
this is nonsense. Virtually every
company is continually looking to drive
additional sales and find ways to
profitably increase revenue.
The best way I have ever found to drive
profitable sales is to FIND YOURWAY
TO YES. What is so powerful about this?
The answer, as many are, is simple:
Aside from a person’s name, the word
Yes carries the most favorable feelings
within us.
Picture this scenario: You’re meeting
with a prospect and you’re making your
sales “pitch.” Things are going well,
you’re presenting your features and
benefits. You have done your listening
exercises and have built a rapport with
the prospect and, just at the moment of
truth, the time to close the sale, the
prospect brings up an issue and you
have to say NO, WE’RE NOT ABLE TO
DO THAT. Bang! In that instant all of the
good feeling, hard work, probing and
solution providing is OVER. IT’S DONE.
The prospect begins to fold their arms,
recoil and eye contact is gone. But why,
why could, what might be a minor issue,
shut down the entire sales process. The
answer again is simple; Your Prospect
wants to hear the word YES!! They want
what they want. They are also telling you
EXACTLY what is important to them. So,
the next time this scenario presents
itself, try this approach: When the
prospective client presents something
that you can’t or aren’t able to do, ask
them to explain what they have in mind
or probe deeper before you answer. The
client is telling you what’s important to
them and the more they disclose and
open up, the greater your ability to
figure out how to tell the YES.
Page 13
Business www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Once you have all the information you
need, then STOP and figure out how to
give them what they want. Try to get to
YES. This doesn’t mean, “giving away the
store,” actually, it’s the opposite. Once I
know what the key YES item is, I can
build everything else at a premium
because I can deliver on their key YES
item. What if your client wants extended
terms or expedited delivery? Then build
in premiums on those supporting items or
conditions. If you go in and say: YES, I
have been able to figure out your key
item and here’s how we get there, in
almost all cases, you will close the sale.
Your client wants to hear the word YES!
They want what they want, so find a way
to give them what they want by getting
MORE than you need.
In closing, the more times you can say
YES to your client, the more they will
share with you, the more they share with
you, the more opportunities you will have
to sell to them, the more you sell to them,
the more YES’s you will be able to
provide, the more YES’s you are able to
provide, the deeper the relationship you
will create and the deeper the
relationship you create, the more valuable
a resource you will be to your client and
the more business they will do with you
and the more they will recommend you to
others. It all starts with getting to YES!
In short: Find your way to YES and enjoy
the relationship you will create and the
Sales success you will have!
Risk Management www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Are Standby Generators Worth the Cost?
Page 14
Why Pay More for
Insurance?
Real People
Real Savings
Collins Insurance Services is an
independent agency. We
represent you, not the insurance
companies. We're licensed with
preferred A+ carriers who
reward safe drivers.
If you have less than 2 tickets
or At-Fault accidents in the past
5 years, call us for a competitive
quote at 219-472-8788.
We often think of insurance as a risk management tool. But risk prevention is cheaper! Losing
power is costly in many ways. A standby generator can add value and safety to your home.
Although some think a standby generator is expensive, it may save you much more than your
investment, possibly even a life.
The changing seasons in Indiana are beautiful and usually mild. But winter and summer
storms in Indiana can knock out power for days. If you ever had to wait it out in the cold or
pack up the family and stay at a hotel, you know the challenges and costs of no power. Hotel
bills, lost refrigerated items, inconvenience, and theft risk of your unoccupied home are
stressors with lost power. You may have considered a generator in the past but are unsure
between a portable or standby generator. A portable backup generator is stored in the
garage or shed and requires a fuel source. A portable generator can only be used outdoor
because it carries fatal risks when used indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires are
the greatest risks of a portable generator.
By Shaw Collins, Licensed Home Inspector, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist
A standby generator is permanently installed outside
your home. The generator starts when the power
goes out, regardless of whether you’re home.
The cost of a standby generator ranges from $2,500
to $15,000. There is also an installation cost around
$5000. The 22KW Generac Guardian is a common
one in our area.
Like insurance, you don’t know when or how often you’ll need your generator. Your decision
to invest in a standby generator depends on your situation. Some factors to consider are if
you rely on electricity for medical equipment, work at home, or live in an area prone to long
outages.
Here are some tips to help you decide.
Review Your Power Needs
Wattage determines cost. The more wattage you need, the bigger the generator and the higher
the cost. Wattage usage varies from house to house. Generac has a sizing tool on its website.
I tested it using a 2500 square foot home. I didn’t need everything covered, just the key
components of my electrical system. I selected the following:
• Sump Pump
• Lights/Basic Electric Outlets
• Electric Water Heater
• Gas Furnace
• Microwave
• Refrigerator
• Central Air
• Dishwasher
• Washer/Dryer
The online tool recommended that I get a 16kW backup generator with 16 circuit transfer switch Wi-Fi enabled, full managed
power system. The MSRP is $3,949. According to the FIXr website, I can be looking at a range of $500 to $1000 for additional
installation costs. To be conservative, using the $1,000 number, I would be looking at $4,949 to have a Home Generator that
keeps the lights on, alarm system, frig, washer and dryer, dishwasher, TV, radio, microwave, garage door opener and
furnace/central air. We wouldn’t exactly be roughing it.
Use a Professional
A recommendation is to have your generator supplier also provide setup service. You want a professional installer who knows
the generator. The professional installer can also show you how to use the generator. Also, ask about routine maintenance.
A standby generator can add value and safety to your home. Weighing the benefits and costs, buying the right size, and using a
professional installer gives you added peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about medical equipment, freezing in the winter,
overheating in the summer, replacing refrigerator items, or the inconvenience and cost of relocating to a hotel.
Also, a standby generator is a great selling feature if you decide to move. Depending on the buyer, your standby generator may
be the selling feature that gives you a competitive edge.
Customers We've Helped*:Client 997: Same coverage, saved $1,270
Client 246: Better coverage, saved $452
Client 1322: Same coverage, saved $533
Client 2119: Better coverage, saved $915
* All savings reflect annual savings.
Music: Name That Tune
1 The Twist-Chubby Checker
2 Hey Jude-The Beatles
3 The Theme from "A Summer Place"-Percey Faith & His Orchestra
4 Tossin' & Turnin'-Bobby Lewis
5 I Want To Hold Your Hand-The Beatles
6 I'm a Believer-The Monkees
7 Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In-The 5th Dimension
8 Sugar, Sugar-The Archies
9 I Heard It Through the Grapevine-Marvin Gaye
10 Are You Lonesome Tonight?-Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires
INSPIRATION www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Page 15
Do You Remember the Lyrics?
Top Billboard Songs of the
Sixties
January 14th is organize your
home day! Get a jump on Spring
cleaning by celebrating this
made-up holiday. Sort, declutter,
label, and donate!Tunnels2Towers is a non-
profit organization who
raises funds to honor
military and first
responders who lost their
lives serving our country.
The organization was
founded for Firefighter
Stephen Gerard Siller who
sacrificed his life on
September 11, 2001 helping
save lives at the Twin
Towers. You can learn
more about
Tunnels2Towers at
tunnels2towers.org or by
calling (718) 987-1931.
The Airey Foundation held a
bowling event on November 12th
at Stardust in Merrillville to
benefit the Winfield K9 Unit!
INSPIRATION www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Page 16
he was "living pain-free for the first
time in 11 years," during an extended
dive in Cozumel. The mental health
benefits of scuba diving are as
valuable as the physical. Veterans who
have participated in Diveheart
programs report that learning new
skills, gaining confidence, and bonding
with other veterans who have
experienced similar challenges create
a sense of community and
empowerment. For many disabled
veterans, scuba diving helps them
realize the possibilities rather than
focus on their limitations, according to
Diveheart founder Jim Elliott.
Diveheart relies on volunteers and
donations to help provide adaptive
diving and scuba therapy experiences
at no cost to participants. Visit
diveheart.org for more information
about the way scuba diving can
change veterans’ lives. USA News.
Many of America’s military veterans
struggle with injuries and disabilities.
Scuba diving might not be the first
therapy that comes to mind to help these
individuals, but data support the value of
scuba diving for improving the physical
and mental health of people suffering
from conditions including post-traumatic
stress disorder, traumatic brain injury,
and chronic pain. Diveheart, a nonprofit
organization founded in 2001, provides
adaptive scuba training to volunteer
divers and instructors, and offers unique
opportunities in zero gravity to veterans
and others with a variety of disabilities.
The Diveheart motto, "Imagine the
Possibilities," reflects the positive
attitude of the organization and the hope
and healing it offers. A subset of the
organization, Diveheart Military
Wounded focuses specifically on
introducing veterans with physical and
mental disabilities to the benefits of
scuba therapy. On the physical side,
scientific research and the personal
experiences of veterans show that water
pressure and the feeling of
weightlessness can relieve physical and
mental tension as well as chronic pain.
"The weightlessness kind of helps my
body release itself," says Coast Guard
veteran Kevin Cozzie in an interview with
the Daily Herald, a publication based in
suburban Chicago. "I can feel it when I get
out of the water. "Ian James Brown, an
Air Force veteran who was injured in the
line of duty, returned to scuba diving
after his injury through a Diveheart
program. "I discovered scuba again," he
says in an interview on the Diveheart
website, diveheart.org. "I was able to
integrate skills I thought I had lost," such
as the regulation of breathing and
balance, he says. "It made me challenge
myself a bit more. "Mr. Brown, who
suffers from chronic neurospinal pain
but has chosen to forego medication, "felt
this euphoric feeling," and realized that
Scuba Therapy Helps Veterans Heal
For pediatric patients, being in the hospitalcan be a frightening, vulnerable and a lonelyexperience, especially for those undergoingserious medical treatments. Struggling withillness can rob kids of the simple joys ofchildhood. However, research has shownthat dogs, with their playful, comforting andloving nature, can have beneficial, long-lasting effects on pediatric patients.According to Purdue University, interactingwith animals in different environments,including hospitals, could improve ourphysical and mental health, as well asenhance different aspects of our daily lives.
Here are a few things to know about in-residence dogs and their positive impact onpediatric patients:
* In-residence dogs are highly trainedservice dogs that work in healthcare settingsand perform specialized tasks. They are alsotrained to create an emotional connectionwith pediatric patients, helping to providethem with joy, comfort and other medicalbenefits.
* Different from volunteer dogs that visit ahospital for a short time, in-residence dogstypically have a similar work schedule astheir human counterparts, working closelywith their handlers. They often have accessto non-sterile clinics and inpatient units.
* In-residence dogs can be an integral part ofa child's treatment team. They perform a
range of tasks that help medical teams achievetheir clinical goals. In-residence dogs can betrained to do incredible things like keep kidscalm during medical interventions, teach themhow to take a pill or model how to put on ahospital gown.
* In-residence dogs can help lower a pediatricpatient's stress and anxiety by serving as apleasant distraction. Additionally, many hospitalstaff report that children who interact with in-residence dogs often require less medication.
While in-residence dog programs havetremendous potential, they are relatively new,and out of more than 220 children's hospitals inthe United States, only a few have in-residencedog programs. By implementing such programs,hospitals could give more pediatric patients theopportunity to experience the immense joy andhealth benefits that come with in-residence dogs.According to Dr. Jana Stockwell, a pediatriccritical care physician at Children's Healthcareof Atlanta, who serves as a handler for an in-residence dog named Tidings, "Our Children'sdogs are full-time employees with a meaningfuljob to do, and on a daily basis, Tidings helpschildren be more engaged, encourages them toget out of bed, and even inspires them to tell usabout a pet at home that they're missing. Our in-residence dogs never fail to lift the spirits of kidsand adults alike."
To fill this unmet need and further its mission tobring joy to kids battling illness or hunger, theJoy in Childhood Foundation, the independent
Bringing Joy to Pediatric Patients Can Start with a Dog
charitable foundation powered by Dunkin'and Baskin-Robbins, has launched "Dogs forJoy," a first-of-its-scale program that willbring in-residence dogs to children's hospitalsnationwide. Dogs in this program are bredand trained as service dogs but "work" full-time in children's hospitals. Through morethan $2 million in initial grants, the programwill dramatically increase the number of in-residence dog programs in pediatrichealthcare settings around the country and theprevalence of animal-assisted therapy as partof treatment. In launching Dogs for Joy, theFoundation has adopted its own in-residencedog, Cooper, who serves as the Chief JoyOfficer and Dogs for Joy programambassador.
The Joy in Childhood Foundation inviteschildren's hospitals nationwide to apply for aDogs for Joy grant if they're interested inlaunching a new in-residence dog program orexpanding an existing program. Fundsawarded cover costs for launching andmaintaining an in-residence dog program at ahospital, including adoption of the dog,training of select staff, dog food, doggrooming needs, dog toys and more.Applicants can apply viawww.joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/dogsforjoyuntil March 31, 2019. (BPT)
Winter is officially upon us and
that means many homeowners
will be paying a hefty price for
not protecting their property
against frozen pipes. According
to the Insurance Industry
Institute, water damage and
freezing is the second most
common home insurance claim
filed, with the average claim
totaling $8,861. In fact, frozen
pipes are a significant
contributor to the more than
$10 billion in annual insurance
claims paid out due to plumbing
leaks.Water’s power in both
liquid and solid states can
wreak havoc on the unprepared
home, says Chuck DeSmet,
founder of FloLogic, a plumbing
leak detection auto water
shutoff device. "Water can
unleash a double whammy
where freezing causes a
breakage and thawing causes
destructive flood," DeSmet says.
"Water damage from frozen
pipes not only destroys
irreplaceable property, it can
uproot families from their
homes and cost them for years
to come in higher insurance
premiums. "But frozen pipes
and water leak damage are
completely avoidable when
homeowners follow some
practical guidance, and with the
help of technology designed to
detect and arrest leaks
automatically.Here’s a practical
guide for avoiding frozen pipe
damage this season:* Turn up the
heat. Whether home or not, keep
thermostats in the 55-60-degree
range, or higher, to ensure pipes
in basements and crawl spaces
don’t freeze up. For extreme cold
protection, opening sink cabinets
is advised to expose pipes to
additional warmth.* Insulate.
Pipe insulation wraps will
increase resistance to freezing
ambient temperatures, while
insulating structure cracks and
openings will help keep the
environment surrounding your
pipes at a safe temperature. To
avoid exposure to deep freezes, a
UL-listed heat tape or cable
wrapped around pipes will
electronically generate warmth
to prevent freezing.* Inspect and
update. Be sure outdoor hoses
are removed from spigots.
Periodically replace supply
hoses to washers and toilets – a
primary cause of water leaks
beyond frozen pipes.* Let it
trickle. When temperatures are
especially frigid on homes with
exposure, leave faucets open to a
Even a small two drips-per-
second leak from a cracked
pipe will produce 77 gallons
in a week – enough to cause
costly damage. With
greater knowledge and
adoption of leak control
technologies, reduced
damage from frozen and
broken pipes stands to
benefit everyone, according
to DeSmet. "When
insurance companies pay to
repair leak damage, it
indirectly costs every
policy holder," DeSmet says.
"Simple preventive
measures and leak control
technologies will help spare
us all."For more
information, visit
http://www.flologic.com
Source: USA News
HOUSE & HOME www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Page 17
steady drip or trickle. The
constant flow will help
prevent freezing, but also
wastes water.* Install leak
control technology. Leak
detecting smart water valves,
like the one offered by
FloLogic (www.flologic.com)
will flag a broken pipe leak
anywhere in a plumbing
supply and automatically
shut off the water before the
ice dam completely melts.
FloLogic qualifies many for
insurance discounts, since it
virtually eliminates the risk
of catastrophic water
damage year-round.* Shut it
down. If you don’t have a
leak detection auto shutoff
device, the most prudent
protection when you’re away
is shutting off the water
supply and draining pipes.
Take Preventive Steps to Avoid Frozen Pipes
Alternative Senior Housing
Page 18
HOUSE & HOME www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
For many reasons, most seniors
want to stay in their own home.
Comfort, familiarity, no mortgage,
great neighbors, equity, and avoid
moving are the most common
reasons. And while we may want to
stay at home, sometimes our home
no longer serves us. Depending on
the needs moving to alternative
senior housing may become
necessary.
Alternative senior housing has
different meanings to each of us.
Some think nursing home while
others imagine 55+ communities. If
you’re exploring your choices, here
are brief descriptions of senior
housing to help you decide.
Age Restricted Communities
Age restricted or active adult
communities are designed for
independent older adults.
Occupancy is regulated by federal
and state laws for required age
limits. Typically, 80% of residence
must meet the age limit. Types of
residences may include an
apartment for rent or a home for
purchase. Homes built in age restricted
communities typically are maintenance
free and designed to keep aging adults
independent and active. No care is
provided. However, residents may hire
staff to provide care in their home.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living provides help to mature
adults with activities of daily living
(ADL’s). ADL’s include feeding,
toileting, dressing, mobility, and
bathing. An Assisted Living
Community is often a multiunit
building attached to additional senior
residences such as independent
apartments and memory care or a
skilled nursing facility. While
amenities and services vary, Assisted
Living offers social and recreational
activities, meals, and transportation.
Some have a doctor or nurse
practitioner on site. Many Assisted
Living facilities have a gym, chapel, and
hair salon. In Indiana, if assistance
with medication is needed, the facility
is regulated as a Residential Care
Facility.
Continuing Care Retirement
Communities (CCRC)
The CCRC is the original aging-in-place
concept. Previously known as life-care
communities, a CCRC offers every type
of housing for the aging adult including
independent, assisted living, and skilled
nursing care. The resident signs a
contract and pays an entrance fee in
exchange for a guarantee their housing
and care needs will be met throughout
their lifetime. Fees range from
thousands to hundreds of thousands of
dollars.
Skilled Nursing Home
Skilled nursing homes provide 24/7
care. Care is overseen by a Medical
Director and provided by nurses,
medical assistants, nursing assistants,
and other staff. Occupational and
physical therapy is typically available.
Help with ADL’s and full care is
provided. Rooms are private and semi-
private. Medicare pays for the first 100
days of a nursing home provided the
resident transferred directly from an
inpatient facility. Some skilled nursing
homes have locked units for memory
care or patients with Alzheimer’s.
Housing Challenges on the Horizon for Older Adults
According to The Joint Center forHousing (JCHS) Studies of HarvardUniversity aging adults will facechallenges in upcoming years. Withmore than half the US population atleast 50, affordable and accessiblehousing is in short supply. And theJCHS study shows this trend tocontinue, especially when boomersturn 80.
The supplemental report on Agingshows Baby Boomers are driving thistrend. The percentage of BabyBoomers 65 to 74 rose 26% to morethan 17 million from 2011 to 2016.While most prefer to age-in-place,accessible housing remains achallenge for seniors. It’s no surprise
that aging brings about mobility, vision,and hearing challenges. In fact, 17% ofhouseholds have someone withdifficulty climbing stairs or walking.This increases to 43% for householdswith anyone over 80.
Yet homes are not built with disabilitiesor mobility problems in mind. Thestandard house build does notaccommodate larger thresholds forwheelchairs, extra lighting, or accessibleshowers or baths.
According to the report, only 3.5% ofUS homes were accessible in 2011.Aging adults will also face financialchallenges as the need for healthcareand accessible living will compete for
senior dollars. Seniors can use thetimely report to plan their futurehousing needs.
You can access the studies athttp://www.jchs.harvard.edu/.
By Georgene Collins, PhD, MBA, RNCertified Senior Advisor, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Senior Move Manager
By Georgene Collins, PhD, MBA, RNCertified Senior Advisor, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Senior Move Manager
Saving Stuff: Hoarding versus Clutter
Seniors from the depression
era typically save stuff. That’s
because they were raised in
scarcity and taught not to
waste anything. Mason jars,
tools, and antiques are the
norm for many seniors. But
younger generations typically
do not save stuff. And they
don’t understand why their
parents keep everything. The
conflict between the younger
and older generations often
creates harmless discussions.
A common concern is when
saving too much stuff is
unhealthy. To best answer
the question, let’s compare
clutter versus hoarding.
Clutter is normal in all
homes. Saving clothes in
several sizes over the years
vowing to lose weight,
stocking up on sale items, and
piles of newspapers and
magazines set aside for
sorting, are normal parts of
clutter. Most homes have
clutter. Many often plan to
tackle their clutter but life
gets in the way.
Hoarding, however, is
excessive saving of worthless
stuff with an emotional
attachment or irrational fear
of letting the items go.
Hoarding is dangerous and a
sign of a serious problem.
Hoarding is a complicated
mental disorder with serious
results when left untreated.
Saving all clothing,
newspapers, jewelry, shoes,
dead pets, and even dust
bunnies for decades is
hoarding and unhealthy in
many ways.
Hoarding compromises the
emotional and safety well-
being of a person. Emotional
because there is an irrational
attachment to the items.
Physical because the living
space becomes so entrenched
with stuff it is difficult or
impossible to clean and
creates health, fire, tripping,
and sanitation hazards.
What about collecting?
Collecting items of value is
not hoarding. Collectors
acquire items of value and
keep them organized, often for
display to others. Hoarded
items are worthless and kept in
disorder. Due to the irrational
connection, people who hoard
believe they’ll need the items in
the future and releasing them
often causes severe anxiety
and loss of security.
Hoarding disorder affects up to
6% of the population. Older
adults ages 55 to 94 are three
times more likely affected than
younger people. While some
find it distressful, many people
with hoarding disorder do not
think they have a problem.
Hoarding tendencies are
typically first seen in the teen
years, with 13 as the average
age of onset.
People who hoard often suffer
from mood disorders such as
major depression, anxiety, and
social fears. A family history
of hoarding is common,
especially in homes where
impulsive behaviors were
normal such as compulsive
shopping and gambling. Other
causes of hoarding include
brain injuries or a stressful life
event such as the loss of a
loved one. People with
obsessive-compulsive disorder
often suffer from hoarding as
well.
Treatment for hoarding
includes medication and
cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT) counseling. CBT helps
the person gradually discard
items while learning to manage
the stress and fear of living
without the item. Other coping
skills are taught including
relaxation techniques.
If you or someone you love is
concerned about hoarding, a
doctor is the best place to start
for help. A doctor can
prescribe medication or refer
to community resources.
Sources: National Institute of
Health and The American
Psychiatric Association.org.
Page 19
HOUSE & HOME www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
By Georgene Collins,PhD, MBA, RN, Certified Senior Advisor,
Senior Real Estate Specialist, & Senior Move Manager
Page 20
HOUSE & HOME www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
What Fair Market
Value is Not
As an appraiser, I have to understand
the definition of Fair Market Value
(FMV). As confusing as FMV can
sometimes be for the professional,
imagine how convoluted it must be for
the lay person?
Under the United States Treasury
regulation 1.170-1(c), Fair Market Value
is defined as:
The price at which the property would
change hands between a willing buyer
and a willing seller, neither being under
the compulsion to buy or compulsion to
sell and both having reasonable
knowledge of relevant facts.
That definition simplified everything,
didn’t it? I think not.
For someone who does not understand
that definition and all that it implies, it
can be left up to their own imaginations
to fill in the blanks and specifics, which
can be a very bad thing. The person
who does not understand will conjure
up crazy, inflated “values” that are not
values at all; they are merely asking
prices they found online. This is NOT
Fair Market Value.
If you are at an estate sale and you and
the seller exchange $20 for an item, and
neither of you are being forced into this
exchange, that $20 is the FMV for that
day and moment. If both you and the
seller have all the basic facts, the item
is a flat screen TV that works and you
agree on a price, and you are not being
forced to buy or sell, it was a mutually
agreeable transaction. This is Fair
Market Value.
Let’s talk about other things that are
NOT Fair Market Value:
It is not what you paid for an item
(most people pay high retail and not
FMV).
It is not wishful thinking. True values
are arrived at with careful research and
methodology.
It is not family lore. We know the
stories of how “valuable” mom always
said an item was, but that is not fair
market value. Many of our older moms
may not understand how very different
things are today, or why little girls have
little interest in their prized
possessions.
It is not outdated appraisal values that
were probably written for insurance
purposes or in a much healthier market.
It is not what you think it should be,
nor the amount of money needed to pay
bills.
It is not the asking price you see on a
similar item on the internet or Ebay.
Asking prices are just asking prices.
We’re interested in what it actually SOLD
FOR.
It is not based on sentimentality (how
much you, or a loved one, cherished it).
It is not about how old it is or how long
you’ve had it. “Old” doesn’t necessarily
mean it has value.
Everybody seems to have their own idea
of fair market value, but very few I hear
about are actually “fair.” At the end of
the day, the market is what it is. All we
can do is our very best to educate our
clients, even if they don’t want to hear
what we have to say.
Bottom line: An item is worth what
someone will give you for it. Always
enlist the help of a professional to guide
you through, when you don’t have the
answers.
Printed with permission from The
American Society of Estate Liquidators.
©2014 The American Society of Estate
Liquidators®
FOOD & RECIPESPumpkin
Parfait
Tired of the same boring dinner,
night in and night out? Don’t let
dull, tasteless meals become the
norm. Instead, try this catfish
recipe that is sure to spice up
your night.
Catfish with Peppercorns on a
bed of Sautéed Spinach and
Matchstick Vegetables subjects
taste buds to flavors that are
sure to entice any lover of spice.
The U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish
has a pleasing, mild taste that
blends flawlessly with the
pepper and vegetable flavors.
This simple catfish recipe boasts
a long name with a simple
preparation:
CATFISH WITH
PEPPERCORNS ON A BED OF
SAUTEED SPINACH AND
MATCHSTICK VEGETABLES
Six 7-ounce catfish fillets
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons white
peppercorns
2 tablespoons green
peppercorns
2 tablespoons red peppercorns
2 tablespoons mustard seeds
3 tablespoons canola oil
16 ounces fresh spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
flakes
Matchstick vegetables
Season catfish fillets on both
sides with salt.
Grind all peppercorns and
mustard seeds in a coffee or
nut mill. Spread peppercorn
mixture on a small plate.
Press one side of each fillet
into the peppercorn mixture.
Heat oil in a large sauté panover medium heat. When oil is
hot, add fillets peppered side
down, cooking no more than
two or three at a time,
depending on size of pan. Do
not over crowd pan or allow
pan to cool with each addition.
Sauté catfish for about two
minutes to form a crust.
Carefully turn fillets and cook
for two more minutes, or just
until the fillets are semi-firm.
Sauté spinach, garlic andcrushed red peppers in one
tablespoon canola oil.
Arrange equal portions of
sautéed spinach and
matchstick vegetables on each
of six plates to cover the
bottom of the plates. Place
catfish fillets peppercorn side
up on top of vegetables.
Source: USA News
Page 21
Spice Up Dinner
with American
Catfish and
Peppercorns
Ingredients
1 can (about 15 ounces) low-
sodium pumpkin
3 cups fat-free or low-fat vanilla
yogurt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Granola:
¼ cup raisins
½ cup quick cooking oats
½ cup rice crisps
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ cup brown (or white) sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a blender or with a fork,
blend the pumpkin until
smooth.
Mix pumpkin, yogurt, and
spices in a bowl.
In another bowl, mix the
ENTERTAINMENT ww.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Raisin Muffins
Dry ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet ingredients
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ cup maple syrup (or 2/3
cup brown or white sugar)
1 cup water
½ cup raisins
Nonstick cooking spray
Topping
½ cup quick cooking oats
Directions
Preheat oven to 375
degrees F.
Mix all of the dry
ingredients in a large bowl.
Next, add the wet
ingredients. Stir until just
mixed.
Spray a 12-cup muffin pan
with nonstick cooking spray.
Fill each cup about ¾ full.
Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of
oats
on top of each muffin.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
The muffins can be served
warm or cool.
Serves 12.
granola ingredients: raisins,
quick cooking oats, rice
crisps, oil, and sugar.
Spread granola on a baking
pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
Let the granola cool down
until it hardens. Then, break
it apart or crush it into small
pieces.
Spoon the pumpkin into 6
medium-size glasses or
bowls.
Put granola on top of the
pumpkin in each glass or
bowl. Spoon the pumpkin and
granola in layers until all
have been added to a glass or
bowl.
Serve immediately or
refrigerate.
Serves 6
CAREGIVER www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Talking about Estate Planning
Needs to Happen Sooner Rather
Than Later
Page 22
There are subjects in life
that need to be discussed,
but many of us tend to
avoid them. Issues like
mortality and money top
the list. As parents and
children grow older, a must-
have conversation should be
the topic of estate planning,
but do we know all that we
should?
According to Fidelity
Investments’ “Family &
Finance Study,” the answer
is a resounding — and
rather scary — “no.” In fact,
seven out of 10 of children
underestimated their
parents’ estate by an
average of $278,000. That’s
a big number between
knowing what is going on
and not understanding at
all. It illustrates a
breakdown in
communication that Kevin
Ruth, head of Fidelity’s
wealth planning and
personal trust, says badly
needs addressing through
‘frank conversations”
between parents and their
adult children.
“Even in the simplest of
family situations,
conversations that don’t
occur frequently and in
detail can result in fairly
substantial family
disagreements and
disconnects,” says Ruth.
“Establishing an estate plan
is your best bet to ensure
your loved ones are taken
care of in your absence and
that your wishes are carried
out the way you want.”
In fact, according to the
study, the two generations
apparently can’t even agree
on whether they’ve already
had such detailed talks.
Seventy percent of parents
surveyed believe they have
discussed these issues;
more than 50 percent of
their children claim they
haven’t. So what are the
benefits of an estate plan?
It allows you to:
• Preserve and maintain
control over the transfer of
your assets.
• Protect your family’s
privacy and possibly avoid
probate.
• Provide immediate access
to liquidity.
• Choose how your
beneficiaries will receive
assets.
• Designate who will
execute your wishes even if
you’re just incapacitated.
These are solid reasons to
research estate planning
today. One thing to
remember, it’s not just for
the very wealthy. Most
people have complicated
lives and issues that need
exploring — with children
and maybe step children’s
interests to protect, or a
family business to pass on
— most people, could do
with some solid estate
planning
Plus, there’s the federal
government to consider.
After all, no one wants the
government getting any
more money than is legally
required. Some think they
have knowledge of
investments like IRAs and
Roth IRAs, but even
distributions from these
accounts can be
problematic if the aim is to
“stretch” payments out to
beneficiaries, tax deferred
or tax free, for as long as
possible.
To see what is involved,
attorneys and tax advisors
can help set up an estate
plan. Plus, there are online
resources like Fidelity’s
Estate Planning Overview.
Fidelity customers also
have access to its new
Estate Planner to more
thoroughly prepare and
educate themselves for a
meeting, right down to
details like organizing
documents and choosing
lawyers. While it’s scary to
think about life without
family members and what
that life may look like,
ultimately it’s better to
have a conversation and
get a plan in place. Like
the Boy Scouts, it pays to
be prepared. USA News
Downsizing and Relocation Stress Syndrome
Page 23
Seniors often dream of retirement and
downsizing. The thought of a smaller
home with little to no maintenance is a
goal for many seniors. Yet, not
everyone embraces downsizing and
moving. For many, relocating after
decades of living in the same home is
stressful. Sorting and packing
memories, organizing movers and dates,
and resettling into a new home
overwhelms many, even with plenty of
time to plan. But when moves are abrupt
or unplanned, seniors often experience
severe anxiety, sometimes worsening
health conditions. Abrupt and
involuntary moves caused by health
changes or the death of a spouse can
lead to loss of control and possibly
Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS). RSS
is a nursing diagnosis also known as
Transfer Trauma. RSS occurs when
seniors have difficulty adjusting to a
new environment.
Signs of RSS include:
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Changes in sleep and eating habits
• Neglect-lack of bathing or grooming
• Unusual fears
• Mood disturbances such as depression,
crying, irritability, or hopelessness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Loss of interest in social activities and
interests
• Difficulty concentrating
• Wandering
While RSS is real, it is manageable with
prevention measures and patience.
Caregivers and loved ones can prevent
RSS in several ways. First, plan ahead.
If the senior is hospitalized, start
planning right away. Meet with the
doctor or Case Manager to learn where
your loved one will need to live after
discharge.
For voluntary moves, start the
discussion as early as possible about
long-range living plans. This is
especially important if you notice signs
of unsafe habits like leaving the stove
on or tripping hazards. Share your
concerns and provide choices such as
alternative senior communities or
moving in with a relative. Allow your
loved one to stay in control of the plan.
Schedule time to sort items to move to
the new home. Consider using a floor
plan to choose how items will fit in the
new environment. Involve your loved
one in the financial planning and tours
of senior communities or potential
homes for purchase.
For unplanned or abrupt move, allow
your loved one to stay in control but
consider asking for help with sorting
and packing for time-sensitive moves.
Include as much familiarity as possible
in the new environment. Pictures of
family and friends, favorite blankets and
clothes, and other familiar items will
help with the adjustment.
Take special care for seniors with
Alzheimer’s or memory loss. Reduce
stress by limiting their involvement in
the planning process. Avoid frequent
reminders of the move. Focus on the
positive parts of moving. Talk about the
help they’ll receive with cooking and
cleaning and the opportunity to make
new friends. Exclude your loved one in
the sorting and packing. Take your
senior out the day of the move. Have
someone coordinate the packing,
moving, and resettling. Finally,
schedule the move when your loved one
is at their best. Avoid moves too early
or too late. After the move, plan to stay
in the new home for a few days or
longer, especially at mealtime. Clear
your schedule or ask for family and
friends to take shifts. Most experts
agree, it may take up to 30 days to
adjust to a new living environment. At
first avoid social activities as much as
possible in the first month or so.
Introduce new activities gradually and
for small periods of time. Finally, have
patience with you and your loved one.
CAREGIVER www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Stay healthy and focus on keeping your
loved one safe.
For all seniors, if you notice signs of
RSS, contact a doctor to rule out
medical concerns. Next, set up the new
environment like the senior’s previous
home. Include keepsakes and as many
favorite items as possible such as
bedding, chairs, and personal
belongings. Finally, create a memory
board with many pictures of family and
friends. Memory boards are especially
helpful for seniors with Alzheimer’s or
memory loss to adjust to their new
environment.
While many seniors embrace
downsizing and moving, stress can
complicate the move and spark RSS.
The stress of a move can worsen health
conditions leading to hospitalization or
premature death. Help your loved one
adjust to their new home by knowing
the signs of RSS and following these
prevention measures. For convenience
and peace of mind, consider hiring a
professional Senior Move Manager to
oversee the move. You’ll have more
time to help your loved one adjust to
their new environment.
Georgene Collins is the owner and
managing broker of Collins Realty
Group. She is A Senior Real Estate
Specialist and Senior Move Manager.
Georgene helps seniors and caregivers
downsize, prep and sell their home,
manage the move, and relocate or buy a
new home. Call Georgene at 219-315-
6569 to find out what your home is
worth and for your downsizing
consultation.
By Georgene Collins, PhD, MBA, RN, Certified Senior Advisor, Senior Real Estate
Specialist, & Senior Move Manager
Page 24
Grandchildren give us joy and purpose.
Every grandparent has a special story or
picture to share. Send your favorite
grandkid story or picture to
If we publish it, we'll enter you into a
drawing to win a $25 gift card.
RELATIONSHIPS www.NWISeniors.com Published Monthly Edition: January 2019
Grandchildren Contest
Traditional
Anniversary
Gift Ideas
Whether you're a romantic
planner or spontaneous, here is
a list of traditional anniversary
gift ideas to celebrate your
special day.
1st Paper
2nd Cotton
3rd Leather
4th Fruit or Flowers
5th Wood
6th Candy or Iron
7th Wool or Copper
8th Pottery or Bronze
9th Willow or Pottery
10th Tin or Aluminum
11th Steel
12th Silk or Linen
13th Lace
14th Gold Jewelry
15th Crystal
16th Coffee or Tea
17th Wine or Spirits
18th Appliances
19th Jade
20th China
21st Fire (theme)
22nd Water (theme)
23rd Air (theme)
24th Stone (theme)
25th Silver
26th Art
27th Music
28th Linens
29th Tools
30th Pearls
31st Travel
32nd Bronze
33rd Iron
34th Food
35th Coral
36th Antiques
37th Books
38th Luck (theme)
39th Laughter (theme)
40th Ruby
41st Office or Desk Decor
42nd Clocks or Watches
43rd Entertainment (theme)
44rd Electronics (theme)
45th Sapphire
46th Games
47th Garden or Plants
48th Home Improvement
(theme)
49th Copper
50th Gold
51st Photos or Cameras
52nd Bath or Spa (theme)
53rd Plastic
54th Glass
55th Emerald
56th Day (theme)
57th Night (theme)
58th Faith and Hope (theme)
59th Charity (theme)
60th Diamond
Anniversary Planning TipsAre you about to celebrate a
special anniversary with the one
you love? Whether you have been
together one year or fifty years it
is important to celebrate the day
in a special and memorable way.
Sometimes, as much as you want
to bless the one you love in a
unique way, it is hard to come up
with great anniversary ideas. One
of the best ways to think of ideas
can be to take a look back through
the years of your relationship.
You will be surprised by how
many perfect anniversary ideas
you come up with simply by
remembering special earlier times
in your relationship. For instance,
can you remember the first date
you shared? If so, try to recreate
the date again as a way of
celebrating how far you've come.
Do you remember the first song
you danced to or the first film you
saw together? Great anniversary
ideas are sometimes as simple as
renting that first film again or
tracking down that old love song
and dancing to it again. You will
bless and surprise your special
someone by recreating a
memorable time in your
relationship.
If you’re planning an anniversary
trip, consider planning a getaway
weekend to a place you’ve never
visited. Or take your special
someone on a romantic cruise. Be
extravagant and do everything
you can afford to make sure your
anniversary is special. Do you
love to hike and spend time in the
mountains? Perhaps the best
anniversary ideas for you would
include a camping trip or renting
out a cabin in the mountains that
you love.
Celebrating anniversaries can be
one of the best ways to keep the
spark alive in your relationship.
When you remember where you
have been and your shared
experiences, it’s easy to come up
with ideas to celebrate your
relationship. Perhaps the most
important thing to remember is
enjoying time with your special
someone.
Congratulations to
Judy from
Schererville for
sharing this
adorable picture of
her first great
granddaughter,
Emersyn!
Thank you, Judy!